Ask someone in Accra where to learn or practice a language and they will hopefully tell you “go to Language Café Accra”. But did you know we are not a language school? We don’t offer a language course. We don’t have curriculum. We don’t do exams. We don’t even have language teachers.
Why? Let us explain…
Language Café Accra is a social network organization
We use our language meetings to bring people together. Our strategy is not just “let’s grab a beer/coffee/soft drink and get to know new people”. We want to bring people together who share the same interests (languages and culture) and who are (hopefully!) open-minded and welcome to different kind of people from all over the world.
Our first intend is to practice and learn languages at our Cafés, but you could end up playing games or discussing languages and cultures in general. It all depends on who shows up at the Café, and what the mood of everyone is. If you want to speak a language fluently coming to a meeting only (so this is the only thing you do to improve your skills) is not enough. You still have to practice a lot, take a course, read books and watch TV shows. Nothing worth while comes at you easily!
Lots of people use our Language Cafés as a (first) step into the Accra social life. If you’re new to Accra (or new to socializing in the city) we are a very good opportunity to start from. You can find your new friends here, and explore the social life in Accra. Before you know it you built a bigger (professional and social) network.
Use our Language Cafés to get used to the language
We often get asked if you can also join our Cafés if you don’t really speak the language yet. The short answer is “no, because we really speak the language in a conversational way”. The long answer is “yes, you can join our Cafés to get used to hearing the language. Even if you don’t understand what’s been said yet, you can listen to the other people and get used to their pronunciation.”
It’s a good way to expose yourself to the language, and you can ask other people who are also studying this language for advice, learning material tips and other knowledge.
Explore different kinds of accents and dialects
Not everyone who speaks the same language speaks it the same way. There’s always accents and dialects in languages. At our Cafés you will meet people with all these different kinds of accents and dialects.
Get confident in speaking a foreign language
You have to be brave to speak in a foreign language, we acknowledge that. We know it’s not easy to meet new people in a group setting and also speak in a language that’s not your mother tongue. That’s why we provide a safe space to make mistake, encourage each other to practice more and also… laugh. Learning a new language is fun!
The first time attending a Café might be scary, but come more often and you will see familiar faces to practice with. It’s gives a boost to your confidence to improve your skills, to hear from others that you are growing and to try to speak more. We don’t bite! We are here to help you.
Join us to practice languages in Accra!
Now you know we are much more than just a place to practice languages. Our Cafés have brought so many amazing people together. We can’t wait to meet you.
You can join us every Monday from 6PM at Nguni for Multi Languages Café (offer to help with the language you speak, and practice the language you are learning with a fluent speaker), and on Fridays from 6PM at African Vibrations Hostel to learn and practice basic Twi Language.
Check out our upcoming (language) trips through Ghana to explore more and meet more people.
